The driver promptly ignited the engine.


    Melissa and Matthew barely stepped through the door when Marcus arrived.


    Observing this, Julie whisked Shawn off. Shawn grumbled, “Mom, you''re so weak in front of Marcus. You can''t stand up for Melissa like this.


    Women should be more restrained around men.” “I know” Julie conceded.


    Marcus appeared unexpectedly. Despite Melissa''s surprise, she chose to maintain harmony for


    Matthew''s sake. She carved out space for Marcus and Matthew, then retreated to the kitchen to prepare a meal.


    N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Opening the fridge, she heard Marcus’ voice behind her.


    ‘s “Whipping up some homemade meatballs?” Melissa paused, and then replied softly, “Yeah.” His demeanor toward her suddenly softened, and she was fine with him getting along with Matthew, but she preferred if they could meet somewhere else. She didn''t want Marcus toe directly to her house in the future.


    The warmth of the house enveloped them.


    Marcus removed his coat and assisted Matthew in taking off his padded jacket. He then settled against the sofa, attending to his work on hisptop, while Matthew sat beside him, engrossed in ying with building blocks.


    He asionally touched his son''s head, gently patting it as one would pet a small animal.


    But Matthew thoroughly enjoyed the gesture.


    Melissa turned, her eyes glistening with emotion. Marcus wasn''t the only inhabitant of this room haunted by memories of the past.


    Matthew''s presence softened Marcus’ demeanor toward her. No more casual sneers. For Melissa, it felt like a wee change.


    Following dinner, Melissa retreated to the kitchen to tackle the dishes.


    Marcus trailed behind, shutting the door behind him.


    Melissa shifted, her posture defensive.


    Marcus ced a pack of cigarettes on the counter, extracting one and igniting it. Observing her profile, he said nonchntly, “I need to talk to you” “What about?” With a cigarette in hand, Marcus took a long drag and exhaled the smoke before speaking. “We discussed thisst time. This ce is too cramped. Let''s move into that vi” Worried about potential misunderstanding, he added, “I can give you the vi. I''ll let you know beforehand whenever I want to see Matthew.


    Plus, the vi s spacious, and it''ll be more convenient for you” He gestured towards the cramped kitchen and suggested, “For instance, if I need to talk to you about something, we can find a more suitable ce to have our conversation instead of being stuck in the kitchen.” Her cheeks flushed.